Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge salutes its Lifetime Members, Louise Mills (pictured above at left) and Karen Rice (pictured above at right). Louise and Karen have individually and collectively given thousands of hours, precious energy and creativity to the performing arts of Bainbridge Island and its neighboring communities. They are an inspiration to all of us who wish to make a difference through the arts.

Louise Mills

Louise Mills was Bainbridge Island's resident Impressario. In the mid-1950's, she costumed the musical, "Down in the Valley" on Bainbridge Island which resulted in a profit of $150. On the strength of that, she and her friends produced "Song of Norway" to great acclaim. After these successes, she co-founded Bainbridge Light Opera with Corinne Berg. Their first official production was "The Merry Widow," which had a 40-piece orchestra! Today, BLO is known as Bainbridge Performing Arts. Louise is also a founding member of Island Theatre. In 2003 she produced "Bel Canto on Bainbridge: An Evening of Beautiful Singing."  In past years, she produced Chez Louise, a cabaret. She provided immeasurable consulting and help to Ovation! Louise was a tireless behind-the-scenes worker - always available with an idea or a new creative approach. And her vintage costume collection,spanning the entire 20th century, was legendary. She passed away in December of 2009 and will be forever missed.

Karen Rice

Karen Rice is also a longtime supporter of countless area performing arts organizations. She has been the director of Side by Side, a popular local singing group, since 1995. Karen has been associated with BPA since 1973, serving as President, Performer, Music Director and Administrative Director. She worked with the organization when it was restructured to establish musical and non-music programs for children and adults (its present day format) and when it was an umbrella group to various arts organizations. She has served on the board of Bainbridge Chorale for years as its Education Coordinator and acted as Manager.  And she has been seen in our shows from time to time!

Photo: Keith Brofsky